Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Malaysia

Don't let finances hold you back! Discover the many scholarship opportunities available for international students in Malaysia.

Types of Scholarships

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

What they cover:

• 10% to 100% tuition fee waiver
• Some include living allowances
• Best students receive full scholarships

Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic record (usually CGPA 3.5+)
• Strong extra-curricular achievements
• Leadership experience
• Consistent performance

Available at:

• Almost all Malaysian universities
• Both public and private institutions

2. Need-Based Financial Aid

What they cover:

• Partial tuition waivers (20-50%)
• Some offer living expense support
• Can be combined with other aid

Eligibility:

• Demonstrate financial need
• Submit financial documentation
• Maintain minimum academic standards
• Apply early (limited funds)

3. Country-Specific Scholarships

Special scholarships for students from:

• African countries
• Middle Eastern countries
• Asian nations
• Other developing countries

Benefits:

• Preferential consideration
• Additional support services
• Cultural exchange programs

4. Program-Specific Scholarships

Available for:

• Medicine (MBBS programs)
• Engineering specializations
• Business & MBA
• Computer Science & IT
• Research programs (Master's, PhD)

Often sponsored by:

• Industry partners
• Professional bodies
• Corporate sponsors

5. Sports & Talent Scholarships

For students with:

• Outstanding sports achievements
• Artistic talents
• Musical abilities
• Cultural performances

Benefits:

• Tuition support
• Training facilities
• Competition support
• Balance studies and talent development

Major Scholarship Programs

Malaysian Government Scholarships

Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

• For postgraduate students (Master's, PhD)
• Full tuition + RM 1,600/month allowance
• Annual book allowance
• Thesis allowance
• Travel grant
• Highly competitive

Website: biasiswa.mohe.gov.my

University-Specific Scholarships

University of Malaya (UM)

• UM Academic Excellence Scholarship
• UM International Student Scholarship
• Up to 100% tuition waiver
• For undergraduate and postgraduate

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

• UTM International Student Scholarship
• 20-100% tuition fee waiver
• Research scholarships available

Taylor's University

• Taylor's Merit Scholarships
• Need-based financial aid
• Sports excellence scholarships
• Up to 100% tuition support

Sunway University

• Sunway Merit Scholarships
• Need-based assistance
• Industry-sponsored scholarships
• 20-100% tuition coverage

UCSI University

• Academic Excellence Scholarship
• Music & Performing Arts scholarships
• Sports scholarships
• Varies by achievement level

Private Sector Scholarships

Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme

• For engineering and science students
• Full scholarship including living allowance
• Bond requirements apply
• Very competitive

Khazanah Global Scholarship

• Postgraduate studies
• Full funding
• For future leaders
• Requires return service

Bank Negara Scholarship

• Economics and finance-related programs
• Full scholarship
• Career opportunities post-graduation

Application Process

Step 1: Research (3-6 months before)

• Identify suitable scholarships
• Check eligibility requirements
• Note application deadlines
• Prepare required documents

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Academic transcripts (excellent grades!)
• Certificates of achievements
• Recommendation letters (2-3)
• Personal statement/essay
• Financial documents (for need-based)
• Portfolio (for talent scholarships)

Step 3: Write Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips:

• Explain your academic goals
• Demonstrate your achievements
• Show your passion for the field
• Explain how scholarship helps
• Be authentic and specific
• Proofread carefully!

Recommendation Letters:

• Choose teachers/mentors who know you well
• Give them ample time (1-2 months)
• Provide your CV and achievements
• Thank them afterwards

Step 4: Submit Application

• Apply early (don't wait for deadline!)
• Complete all sections
• Include all required documents
• Keep copies of everything
• Get confirmation of receipt

Step 5: Prepare for Interview (if required)

• Research the scholarship and university
• Practice common interview questions
• Prepare questions to ask
• Dress professionally
• Be confident and honest

Scholarship Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: Usually 3.0+ CGPA or equivalent (80%+)
• Postgraduate: Usually 3.5+ CGPA or First Class
• Consistent performance: No significant grade drops

English Proficiency

• IELTS: 6.0-7.0 (depending on program)
• TOEFL: 550-600 (paper) or 80-100 (iBT)
• Some scholarships may require higher scores

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Leadership positions
• Community service
• Sports achievements
• Academic competitions
• Cultural activities

Financial Documents (for need-based)

• Family income statements
• Bank statements
• Tax documents
• Proof of financial need
• Sponsor letters (if applicable)

Increasing Your Chances

1. Start Early

• Begin research 1 year before
• Prepare strong academic record
• Build extra-curricular portfolio
• Develop relationships with teachers

2. Excel Academically

• Maintain high GPA
• Show improvement trends
• Take challenging courses
• Participate in academic competitions

3. Demonstrate Leadership

• Take leadership roles
• Organize events
• Mentor others
• Show initiative

4. Strong Application Package

• Well-written essay
• Excellent recommendations
• Clear career goals
• Authentic passion

5. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

• Don't put all eggs in one basket
• Apply to 5-10 scholarships
• Mix reach and safety options
• Track all deadlines

Common Scholarship Myths

❌ "I need perfect grades" ✅ Reality: Many consider holistic achievement

❌ "Scholarships are only for the rich/poor" ✅ Reality: Scholarships for all backgrounds

❌ "Application process is too complicated" ✅ Reality: ZEDEX helps you navigate it FREE

❌ "I'm not talented enough" ✅ Reality: Many criteria beyond grades

❌ "Too competitive to bother trying" ✅ Reality: Many scholarships go unapplied

Alternative Funding Options

Student Loans

• Education loan schemes available
• Low interest rates
• Flexible repayment terms
• Check with banks in your country

Part-Time Work

• Work 20 hours/week during semester
• Full-time during breaks
• Earn RM 600-1,000/month
• Allowed after first year

Assistantships (Postgraduate)

• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships
• Administrative roles
• Tuition waiver + stipend

Family Support

• Parents/relatives sponsorship
• Extended family contributions
• Community fundraising

Important Deadlines

Most scholarship deadlines:

• Main intake (September): Applications open December-March
• Secondary intake (February): Applications open July-October

Rule of thumb: Apply 6-9 months before intended start date

Cost Savings Summary

Without Scholarship

• Undergraduate: RM 120,000-280,000 (3-4 years)
• Postgraduate: RM 25,000-120,000

With 50% Scholarship

• Save RM 60,000-140,000 (Undergraduate)
• Save RM 12,500-60,000 (Postgraduate)

With Full Scholarship

• Save entire tuition cost!
• Focus on living expenses only

ZEDEX Scholarship Services (FREE)

We provide comprehensive scholarship support:

✅ Scholarship Matching

• Identify suitable scholarships
• Based on your profile
• Maximize success chances

✅ Application Assistance

• Review your documents
• Edit personal statements
• Prepare for interviews
• Track deadlines

✅ Document Preparation

• Check all requirements
• Format properly
• Ensure completeness

✅ Follow-up Support

• Track application status
• Handle communications
• Appeal if necessary

Success Stories

"ZEDEX helped me secure 100% scholarship at Taylor's University. Their guidance on the personal statement was invaluable!"

• Sarah Chen, Business Administration

"With ZEDEX's help, I received 75% scholarship for my MBBS. I wouldn't have known about this opportunity otherwise."

• Ahmad Hassan, Medicine

"The team helped me apply to multiple scholarships. I received offers from 3 universities!"

• Priya Sharma, Computer Science

Take Action Now!

Don't let finances stop your dreams!

📧 Email: scholarships@zedex.my 📱 WhatsApp: +960 9902788 🏢 Book consultation: Free scholarship assessment

Start your scholarship journey with ZEDEX today - it costs nothing to try, but could save you thousands!